Admiration Quote by Adam Smith
“That wealth and greatness are often regarded with the respect and admiration which are due only to wisdom and virtue; and that the contempt, of which vice and folly are the only proper objects, is most often unjustly bestowed upon poverty and weakness, has been the complaint of moralists in all ages.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Wealth and greatness are praised like wisdom, while poverty and weakness are unfairly despised.
In simple terms: Society values wealth over virtue and looks down on the poor.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value virtue over material success.
Themes
wealth
virtue
poverty
social judgment
morality
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- social policy
- charitable work
- education
- personal development
Key Concepts
ethical hierarchy
social bias
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we shift respect from wealth to virtue?
- What can we do to reduce stigma against poverty?
A Different Perspective
Even virtuous people can be overlooked if they lack wealth.
